To reinforce grammatical concepts and vocabulary, mix games into your English as a second language (ESL) lessons. Games help kids to stay focused while practicing words and concepts that you've already introduced to them. As Andrew Wright and his co-authors of "Games for Language Learning" say, games create a context in which to practice language. In other words, they give children a purpose for using the language, which keeps them motivated to learn.

Going Camping
Tell students you're going to pretend that you're going on a camping trip together. Then, as the ESL Teachers' Board describes, have students take turns naming one thing they'd like to bring on the trip. If they can't think of something, ask them to name something they'd like to do on the trip. You could play other versions of this game, like "Going to the Beach," "Going to the Desert" or even "Going to the Moon," as suggested on Dave's ESL Cafe.

What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf?
Beginners and young students will love "What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf," which helps them to practice numbers and telling time. As described on the ESL Teachers' Board, one student plays the wolf and stands on the opposite side of the room from the other children. A large outdoor area or a gymnasium will work well for this game. The group of children asks, "What time is it, Mr. Wolf?" and the wolf makes up a time, such as "2:00." The children then take that number of steps toward the wolf. When they get close to the wolf, he can answer, "It's lunch time!" and chases them back to the starting line. Whomever he catches becomes the next wolf.

Simon Says
To practice different verbs, you could play Simon Says with your class. Gather everyone into a circle, and explain the rules of the game. Practice it to make sure everyone understands. Then, give students cues such as "pat your head," "wave your hands in the air" and "jump up and down!" Or, give shorter cues such as "sit," "stand" and "smile," for less advanced students.

I Spy
This common game works well for ESL students practicing new vocabulary, especially if they're learning words related to the classroom, as ESL Playhouse notes. Have kids take turns playing the spy, describing the object they're looking at. To maximize verbal interaction, allow other students to ask the spy questions about the object, so it doesn't turn into random guessing. This way, they'll practice more descriptive words.

Who Am I?
Advanced beginner to intermediate students will enjoy the "Who Am I?" guessing game, says the ESL Playhouse. Students take turns pretending they are a popular character, such as Donald Duck or Snow White. Other students try to narrow down who they are, with questions such as "Where do you live?" to "Do you have hands or paws?" Whomever guesses correctly gets to play the next mystery character.

Custom-Made Board Game
You can make your own board game using just a ruler, a pencil and a big sheet of construction paper. As described on Dave's ESL cafe, write a question in each space, leading up to the finish. Then, have kids roll the dice and answer the questions they land on. You could make different versions of this game, tailored for the lessons you're currently focusing on.

Musical Bingo
Young students love songs, so they'll have lots of fun with Musical Bingo, suggests on Dave's ESL Cafe. As described, give them bingo cards with words from songs that you'll be playing. As you play the songs, they place a sticker or bingo chip on any words they recognize. Then, sing the songs together.